Geocaching.com's Blog

Long before geocaching built an entire community, the mailbox was another way to discover the world and connect with others.

Geocaching and postcards both unite humans through shared experiences and turn ordinary places into meaningful destinations. Whether you sign a log sheet or a postcard, you’re connecting with someone through the joy of discovery.

Observed every year on October 1, World Postcard Day celebrates the very first postcard, innovating the world forever. Since 2019, the day encourages people worldwide to write, mail, and exchange postcards to spread joy, connect with others, and celebrate the tradition of handwritten mail.

The mailbox isn’t the only place to find something special in October. Earn the World Postcard Day 2026 souvenir by:

Attending any event and posting an Attended log from September 27 to October 4, 2026.Remember: if you’re hosting an event, it needs to be submitted at least two weeks before the event date and meet all geocaching guidelines.
ORFinding and logging one Letterbox Hybrid from September 27 to October 4, 2026.

Keep an eye on the Geocaching Blog for World Postcard Day inspiration!

No matter where you are in the world, the equinox marks a moment of change as one season gives way to the next.

Celebrate the transition with a unique souvenir!

September 19–22, 2026, is your opportunity to earn the September Equinox souvenir. Celebrate the equinox by finding and logging any geocache, Event, or Adventure Lab® Location during the souvenir period. The September equinox is a shared moment experienced around the world, when day and night are once again nearly equal before the days continue to change.

As the seasons shift, humpback whales begin their long migration south. Their incredible journey reflects the changing rhythms of nature and the spirit of exploration that inspires geocachers to discover new places throughout the year.

The September Equinox souvenir is one chapter in this year’s seasonal whale collection. Together, the four solstice and equinox souvenirs follow the humpback whale’s migration across the globe, with each one representing a different stage of its remarkable journey.

Wherever this season takes you, we hope it brings new adventures, memorable discoveries, and plenty of geocaches along the way.

How will you celebrate the equinox?

Since the very first CITO Event in 2003, hundreds of thousands of geocachers have rolled up their sleeves to clean parks, restore habitats, and improve outdoor spaces around the world. Together, they’ve logged nearly one million CITO Event attendances, and this year, our community is expected to reach this monumental milestone.

That millionth attendance won’t belong to one person; it will represent millions of small acts of stewardship, cooperation, and community. It could even happen at your event! Ready to help make history? Here’s how to host your own CITO Event.

Image by Madill.

1. Find a place that could use a little love

Think about a park, trail, beach, neighborhood green space, or other cache-friendly location that could benefit from some extra care.

If possible, reach out to the land manager or property owners. They’ll often know exactly where volunteers can make the biggest impact and can help ensure your project is both safe and meaningful.

2. Choose your mission

CITO is about much more than picking up trash.

Popular CITO activities include:
1. Collecting litter
2. Removing invasive species
3. Trail maintenance
4. Habitat restoration

Every community has different needs, so choose a project that’s meaningful for your area.

Image by Guanacos.

3. Submit your CITO Event

Once you have a plan, create your CITO Event listing on Geocaching.com.

A few things to remember:

Submit your event at least two weeks before the event date.Include clear coordinates for the meeting location and add parking or trailhead waypoints if they’ll help attendees.Explain what volunteers should bring, such as gloves, water, or sturdy shoes.

The earlier you submit, the more time reviewers have to review your listing and geocachers have to add it to their calendars.

4. Spread the word

Now the fun begins!

Share your event with local geocaching groups, community organizations, friends, and family. You might even partner with a local park, conservation group, or volunteer organization.

The more people who join, the bigger the impact you’ll make together.

Image by GetInTheCarson.

5. Have a plan for the day

A little preparation goes a long way.

Before everyone heads out:

Welcome attendees and sign the logbook.Explain the project and any safety considerations.Hand out supplies if needed.

Your event doesn’t have to be complicated; the goal is simply to spend time together improving a place you all enjoy.

6. Celebrate your impact

After the work is finished, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished together.

Encourage attendees to log the event, share photos, and celebrate the difference they made. Once everyone has added their “Attended” log, post a thank-you message and archive the event.

Every CITO Event, no matter the size, helps keep our favorite places beautiful for future geocachers.

Image by CrimeFighter89.

Together, we’re approaching one million!

One million attendance logs isn’t just a number.

It’s nearly one million moments when geocachers chose to leave a place better than they found it. Its parks were made cleaner, trails made safer, habitats restored, friendships formed, and communities strengthened.

This year, our global geocaching community is expected to reach that remarkable milestone. Whether your event welcomes five people or fifty, every “Attended” log brings us one step closer.

The millionth attendance could happen at your CITO Event.

Be part of the story

Hosting a CITO Event is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the geocaching community. You’ll improve the outdoors, connect with fellow geocachers, and help preserve the places that inspire adventure for years to come.

If you’re hosting or attending during an official CITO Season, you’ll also earn a special CITO souvenir as a thank-you for making a difference.

Start planning your CITO Event today—and help your community become part of CITO history.

Image by Jeel71_Erik67.

MysteryGC8TEQHby Geomulma
Difficulty:3Terrain:1.5Location:Gelderland, NetherlandsN 52° 17.110′ E 005° 36.515′

There’s plenty of buzz surrounding this Mystery Cache De bijen van PenH (GC8TEQH) in the Netherlands. Before geocachers can enter the hive and sign the logbook, they must learn about its hardworking residents, solve a puzzle, and carry their answers into the field.

The adventure begins on the cache page with a brief introduction to bees. A closer look at the text reveals that each occurrence of the Dutch word “bijen,” meaning “bees,” is a hyperlink.

Some links open interesting facts about bees with hints for the puzzle hidden within them. Others lead to bee-themed challenges, including a honeycomb maze and a word search. Together, the links provide the information geocachers need to solve the puzzle.

Image by Biegstra.

Along the way, geocachers learn that bees may collectively fly approximately 25,000 mi (40,000 km) to produce a single jar of honey and that a queen can lay as many as 2,000 eggs per day.

Each solution provides information for the letters in the coordinates. Once the values are calculated, geocachers can reveal the cache location. They should keep their answers nearby because the same solutions are also needed to unlock the cache when they arrive!

At the final coordinates stands a large, bright yellow structure shaped like a beehive. Hexagonal decorations cover its doors, containing more facts about bees.

Image by Rabarber.

To unlock the cache, geocachers must return to the solutions they collected from the puzzles on the cache page. Opening the doors reveals more educational material about bees and a detailed miniature display showing beekeepers tending their hives. Every section continues the theme and gives geocachers something new to discover.

Inside, visitors will also find the logbook and room for trackables. The cache owner encourages geocachers to treat the cache as a Travel Bug (pun intended) hotel, allowing trackables to rest their wings before continuing their journeys.

Image by Janneke&Jip.

The cache owner asks visitors to search only between sunrise and sunset, handle the cache carefully, and return everything to the same place for the next geocachers to enjoy.

Image by creativecache.

So, when you arrive at this unusual hive, don’t make a beeline straight for the logbook. Take your time, explore each section, and see what all the buzz is about.

Image by creativecache.

Have you ever found a geocache that taught you something new?

Header image by Kreukloos.

Traditional-CacheGC693E1by BadischerSchwarzwaldDifficulty:4Terrain:1Location:Baden-Württemberg, GermanyN 48° 35.562′ E 008° 06.779′

How often do you walk past a park bench without giving it much thought?
This Geocache of the Week, Stadtmobiliar (GC693E1), invites geocachers to take a second look. Located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this creative cache transforms an everyday park bench into an interactive adventure. With more than 560 Favorite points, its inventive design continues to delight geocachers who appreciate clever, hands-on caching experiences.

The cache carries a Difficulty 4 and Terrain 1 rating, meaning the challenge lies entirely in solving its design. What first appears to be an ordinary piece of street furniture gradually reveals that there’s much more than meets the eye.

Image by Ruby_sucht.

As geocachers approach the bench-shaped geocache, they hear four dogs bark in a specific sequence. To open the bench, they must repeat the order and identify each type of bark. An incorrect answer triggers the sound of a cat, while the correct answer opens the top of the bench and reveals the log sheet.

Image by Goofishon.

The dog theme continues with one of the cache’s most memorable details: an oversized, bone-shaped logbook filled with signatures from geocachers and photos of visiting dogs, adding a playful finishing touch to an already creative experience.

Image by radaan.

Street furniture is a reminder that an unforgettable geocache doesn’t require rugged terrain or a remote destination. Sometimes, all it takes is a familiar place, a creative idea, and an invitation to look at the everyday with fresh eyes.

Image by Sechsfüssler.

Header image by Nambawan.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

This year’s International Geocaching Day celebrations are inspired by the wonder of the aurora dancing across the night sky, but there’s another kind of light that shines year-round in our community: The spark of discovery created every time a new geocache appears on the map.

Whether it’s your very first hide or your 50th, hiding a geocache has the power to inspire countless adventures. You can showcase a favorite trail, highlight a local landmark, challenge fellow geocachers with a clever puzzle, or simply give fellow geocachers a reason to explore somewhere new.



To earn your International Geocaching Day 2026 hider souvenir:

To earn this souvenir, geocachers must have a non-event geocache (excluding Adventure Lab®) published between August 1 and August 31, 2026.Remember, review times may vary! A geocaching community volunteer will typically begin reviewing your geocache within 7 days. We recommend submitting your cache for publication at least a week before the deadline. Learn more about the cache review process in our Help Center.

Need a little inspiration? Consider:

A geocache that shares a favorite local storyA scenic spot you’ve always wanted others to discoverA family-friendly adventure in your communityA creative container that brings a smile to findersA puzzle that encourages geocachers to think outside the cache

This International Geocaching Day, don’t just go searching for discoveries; create one! Hide a geocache, share a place you love, earn the International Geocaching Day 2026 hider souvenir, and help light up the map for geocachers everywhere.

Happy International Geocaching Day!

BirkenstockReport is an Alaskan geocacher with a mission: to make geocaching more inclusive and accessible while celebrating adventure and exploration in all its forms.

As a young adult, an autoimmune disease left BirkenstockReport paralyzed for 6 months. Now in recovery, she wears Birkenstocks, a type of sandal, to help her feel the terrain underfoot.

With each geocache she finds, she leaves a “Birkenstock-friendly” rating to let others know what kind of terrain (and footwear) to expect.

In this interview, BirkenstockReport provides thoughtful insight on how geocachers of all abilities can find an adventure that meets their needs.

Geocaching HQ: When did you start geocaching?

I started caching in May of 2025! I am almost complete on a 366-day streak! I have lived in South Central Alaska for the last ten years and have been so overwhelmed by how great the caching community is up here.

Geocaching HQ: How did you select your username? Does it hold a special significance for you?

My username is BirkenstockReport. I wear neon colored Birkenstock Arizona UVA sandals pretty much every day of the year. Sometimes even with socks! I earned my name by providing a “Birkenstock-friendly” rating on all the caches I find. When I rate a cache, I am basically telling you if you could find this cache wearing rubber sandals.

The reason behind the Birkenstocks is that I had a bout with Guillain-Barré syndrome when I was 19. I lost feeling in my hands and feet, and grew slowly paralyzed until my amazing team of doctors at OHSU could diagnose me. I received donor antibodies (thank you for your blood donations!) and regrew my nerve function over the next year, but even after I learned to walk again, the hands and feet never really came back. You can learn more about my journey here. As a result, I find that the fewer layers on my hands and feet, the less clumsy I am, hence the toes out in an arctic climate. I do find caches while wearing boots or tennis shoes when I need to, but only to protect my skin, since I often don’t realize when I have a splinter, a blister, or frostbite.

Image by BirkenstockReport.

Geocaching HQ: Many of your cache logs include a “Birkenstock rating.” Can you explain your rating system?

The system can be kind of arbitrary, and also depends on the season. Winter caching in Alaska is not for the weak, so I try to project what it might be like in summer for most of my ratings. A 10/10 means that the cache is probably 100% Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, which doesn’t just mean that it’s on paved ground. I pay attention to how far the curb dip is from that portion of the sidewalk, and if there are ADA spaces in the parking lot. I don’t need those supports anymore, but sidewalks without curb dips used to be the endgame for me. A 9/10 is probably a cache hidden on a well-stomped trail. An 8/10 probably isn’t ADA-friendly, but it is probably a grassy area free of thorns and large rocks to trip over. The next big impact is slope. A steep terrain of any kind can make me slide right out of the backs of my shoes, or slide through them and tear them. Those generally run about 5/10. Anything below a 5 means that I would have swapped out to tennis shoes or boots if I had planned better. A low Birkenstock rating does not mean the cache is bad. It just means that I had to plan my route more carefully or come back with friends to be successful.

Image by BirkenstockReport.

Geocaching HQ: What are your must-have supplies or TOTTs (Tools of the Trade)?

My must-have TOTT is bear spray and friends to talk loudly when we are out and about with the big creatures. My other favorite TOTT is my extendable hook. I think it’s usually for grabbing frisbees, but we have a lot of urban high-terrains that require tree climbing or fishing, and I love those ones! Mirror sticks are also great for checking under ledges and such. Caching in Alaska is awesome because you can kinda throw your hands in any little nook and not worry about snakes and spiders, but you can still end up with cuts and bites if you’re not careful.

Geocaching HQ: When you plan an outing, how do you know which geocaches will be accessible?

I love to review logs when I am winding down for the night. If I plan to explore an area, I make a list of caches that I think will be accessible to me. I can handle long walks and steep climbs, but I do struggle with caches that require balance, such as some tree climbs, and especially caches that say “you’ll feel it before you see it.” No, I won’t! I call these splinter caches because I pretty much only come up with splinters that get infected. I really appreciate it when COs include that line on the page or in the hint, because I know to save it for a group outing, or at least to try and pack a mirror stick.

I also find that boulder fields, such as the one that leads to one of Alaska’s oldest caches, can be pretty tricky for me. I’m still going to do it; I just know that I need to take my time and wear layers so that when I do slip, I don’t get scratched and bruised.
I’m also probably never going to get a rock climbing cache, and that’s OK! Not all caches need to be for all bodies. That would make the game horrible, because cachers are diverse people and like finding different caches. The important thing is just that the cache page has as much information of that sort as possible to help someone decide what works for them.

Image by BirkenstockReport.

Geocaching HQ: What are some misconceptions about geocaching and accessibility?

Pavement is not automatic accessibility. There are a lot of factors that make a cache accessible or inaccessible. Check out Handicaching.com to explore their rating system to help you understand the factors for people who use mobility devices.Not all disabilities require the same supports or TOTTs.There is nothing wrong with hiding only high terrain caches. Hide the kind of caches you want to find.Not all disabilities require terrain considerations. Warning someone that a cache has flashing lights or a jump scare is helpful, too, if you can find a way to do it without spoiling it. One of my favorite caches of all time would be a nightmare for some of my friends with auditory concerns.There are caches with higher terrain that are still ADA accessible– especially Virtuals and EarthCaches that can be completed by boat, and Traditionals/Mystery Caches/Multi-Caches that can be found while sitting in a kayak or on a 4-wheeler or while riding a horse. Some of these seem obvious, but if it’s not, consider sharing that on your cache page.

Geocaching HQ: How can cache owners make their caches more accessible?

Be a yapper! Talk about your cache on the cache page. You can do this in a very straightforward way by using a handicaching rating, or explaining the terrain with bullet points, or you can just tell the story of the day you hid the cache. Telling us about where you parked, how far you hiked, what you saw along the way, the snacks you had, what the grass and mud felt like when you slipped, how bad the mosquitoes were, whatever you want. That storytelling shares essential info that can help a cacher decide if this cache is right for them. Plus, reading logs and cache pages is fun. Maybe even more so for people who don’t get to be out in the outdoors as much as they’d like.

Image by BirkenstockReport.

Geocaching HQ: What’s your favorite part about geocaching? What keeps you engaged with the game?

I love being together across time in nature and sharing those experiences with people around me.
I am also a stats nerd and love challenge caches. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, find some challenge caches and challenge yourself! You don’t even need to sign the log to take on the challenge (just don’t log as found until you’ve actually signed the log, of course).

I am also OBSESSED with the Cache Odyssey series. This is a set of six GeoTours that has hidden a fully ADA-accessible Letterbox Hybrid geocache in each state. They worked really hard to make sure that every cache was unique and interesting. Most of them are Large and require multiple stages or gadgets to find the logbook, and are an awesome way to introduce a friend to geocaching. My first find was obviously the Alaska Cache Odyssey, but every time I travel to a new state, that’s the first cache I look for.

Image by BirkenstockReport.

BirkenstockReport challenges all of us to think more deeply about what “accessible” actually means. Accessibility is more than just an attribute—it includes terrain, environmental conditions, safety information, and detailed cache descriptions.

Do you consider accessibility when geocaching? Tell us your story in the comments below.

We continued the 2026 hiding themes by celebrating geocaches that make the most of the great outdoors. Hiking and nature highlighted geocaches hidden along scenic trails, in peaceful forests, and among breathtaking natural landscapes that inspire exploration.

From May 1 through June 30, geocachers around the world nominated caches they hid or found in 2026, showcasing the incredible ways cache owners use nature to create memorable adventures.

After reviewing all your incredible nominations, we’ve selected caches that truly capture the spirit of this theme. Each of these hides invites geocachers to slow down, appreciate the landscape, and discover something remarkable along the way.

Take a look at some geocaches that celebrate hiking and the beauty of nature:

1. GCBRGJH—Het Oosterveld 12 (Bonus)
Cache owner: Cakehoorn

Images by Cakehoorn.

This bonus cache caps off a 3.1 mile (5 km) hike through a newly opened nature reserve in the Netherlands. Along the trail, geocachers discover eleven nature-themed, 3D-printed caches before reaching this creative finale. It’s a perfect example of how a thoughtfully designed series can turn a scenic walk into an unforgettable adventure.

2. GCBPGWK—Carré magique 3
Cache owner: Rhinograde

Images by narcissa and alpha772.

Adventure awaits those willing to earn this cache. After solving a challenging puzzle, geocachers paddle the Petite Nation River before using a TOTT to retrieve the cache high above the water—all without leaving the boat. It’s the kind of hide that transforms the journey into just as much of an accomplishment as the find.

3. GCBNHQN—Greenbelt Bird Seed Buffet!
Cache owner: MagicMason1000

Images by linemanpower.

This geocache invites players to leave nature a little better than they found it. Each visitor is encouraged to scoop some birdseed from the cache and scatter it throughout the surrounding greenbelt, creating a simple but meaningful way for geocachers to give back while enjoying the outdoors.

4. GCBQ1N0—Fake Wood Bridge 擬木橋
Cache owner: revue77

Images by revue77.

Hidden within Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, this cleverly disguised cache blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Placed near Japan’s first wood-style concrete bridge, the container rewards observant geocachers exploring one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.

5. GCBPVJ5—TONY TONY CHOPPER
Cache owner: Luna_de_Orión

Images by Luna_de_Orión.

Nestled along a family-friendly hiking trail in a Mediterranean forest, this whimsical mushroom hide feels perfectly at home among the trees. Its creative design rewards attentive geocachers while adding a bit of magic to an already scenic walk.

6. GCBRCCF—Burton Wells Park # 2
Cache owner: th3h0bb1t

Images by th3h0bb1t.

Sometimes the best hides are the ones hiding in plain sight. This realistic 3D-printed pinecone blends into the forest floor just off a walking trail, encouraging geocachers to slow down and take a closer look. It’s a simple concept, executed exceptionally well.

7. GCBT1W6—Bonus lab oppidum de la citadelle
Cache owner: audeclar

Images by audeclar.

This bonus cache completes a scenic trek through the remains of an ancient oppidum in France. Along the way, geocachers follow a ridgeline, explore a shaded valley, and uncover pieces of history before reaching the final reward. It’s a reminder that some of the best geocaching adventures combine nature, history, and exploration.

What an incredible collection of outdoor adventures! From whimsical woodland creations to clever hides that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, these geocaches showcase the creativity of cache owners and the beauty of the places they call home.

A huge round of applause to the incredible cache owners who inspire geocachers to lace up their hiking boots, explore new trails, and discover unforgettable moments in nature.

Visit #GeoHT26 on Instagram and the Hiding Themes highlight on the @geocaching Instagram page to see even more outstanding caches from this quarter’s theme.

Our next theme is: Go, go gadget!

We can’t wait to see what you create for Q3!

Sometimes finding the geocache is only half the challenge. These creative caches turn an ordinary find into an experience.

Watch more creative geocache finds on our YouTube channel.

1. This cache is so cool, it makes our heads spin!


2. Could you find this spin-tastic cache?



3. Feeling Lucky? You Just Hit the GEO-JACKPOT!



4. Just keep spinning, just keep spinning…



5. Rocking & Rolling!



 

For geocaching videos, Shorts, podcasts, and more, subscribe to Geocaching on YouTube!See you there!

Traditional CacheGCK4J3by ChermioneDifficulty:2.5Terrain:2.5Location:Isle of ManN 54° 15.876 W 004° 27.672

If only there was an easy way to the top of the mountain… We don’t have a rocket, but will an electric railway do?

Come with us as we ascend Snaefell, the highest point in the Isle of Man, for our Geocache of the Week Flashback Edition: Six Kingdoms (GCK4J3).

Welcome to the Isle of Man! Situated almost equidistantly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, the island has a unique geography, topography, and culture of its own. The highest point on the island is Snaefell, at 2,036 feet (621 m) elevation. Local legend has it that on a clear day, six kingdoms are visible: the aforementioned countries, the Isle of Man itself, and the Heavens.

Image by Captain_Cookie.

Although not a requirement to make it to the top of the island, the Manx Electric Railway offers a unique journey in a vintage train. As you board the train, it’s clearly a beloved institution on the island. Now you’re the latest guest to begin your journey. As you board in the small town of Laxey bound for Snaefell, the exhilaration is building!

Image by Captain_Cookie.

After a steep but swift journey, you’ve finally arrived at the summit! A stiff wind greets you as you decide whether to head inside for a refreshment or tackle the cache right away. Although a treat might be nice, what’d be ever nicer is a smiley on your map! With the Geocaching® mobile app in hand, you head toward the posted coordinates.

Image by martlakes.

Armed with your wits and a trusty pen, you forge ahead toward the beloved Traditional Cache. With over 170 Favorite points, Six Kingdoms isn’t only the highest cache on the isle, but a well-favorited one, too! An obvious landmark guides the walk toward your final destination: the high point marker! A small obelisk informs you that there isn’t a single speck of land taller than where you are right now.

Image by Team_jens_tr.

Weather depending, you just may have a view of the cache’s namesake: Six Kingdoms! Enough dillydallying, let’s find the cache! You’ll only need to head a few hundred feet away to make the find. But watch your step! The intense elements this site has endured have also revealed some jagged rocks. Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to find the cache!

Image by martapajtas.

A particularly numerous pile of rocks suggests a likely hiding place. As you reach down with the wind swirling around you, you can’t help but feel amazement at all the places this humble game takes you. Wait, what’s that plastic container? It’s the cache! With joy, you reach for the cache and relish the feeling of having come all this way and finishing your mission.

Image by volksdansje.

As you smile, you sign the log, seal the container, and place it back ready for the next geocacher. With frequent trains, the choice is yours to either return right away to town or spend some more time admiring this precious view. In the distance, you hear the conductor yell a famous, “All aboard for Laxey!” and you know it’s time to go.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world.
Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.